The 2017 World Series of Poker has produced yet another massive field, this time drawing 2,020 runners in the $1,000 no-limit hold’em event. But despite a final table that included poker pros Chad Eveslage (8th), Michael Gathy (5th) and Eric Blair (4th), it was 62-year-old accountant Thomas Reynolds who came out on top, earning his first career bracelet and the $292,880 first-place prize.

Reynolds, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, had never cashed at the WSOP before winning his title, although he did manage two small WSOP Circuit cashes at Harrah’s Cherokee in his home state.

“It feels kind of unreal to tell you the truth,” said Reynolds. “It’s something that I’ve wanted to try and do. I love playing poker and my wife is very understanding. So, she lets me come and play. I told her I don’t know how many years I have left, but I wanted to try and do it.”

For more coverage from the summer series, visit the 2017 WSOP landing page complete with a full schedule, news, player interviews and event recaps.

If you can’t make it down to the WSOP at the Rio, you can still play with BetOnline Poker. Click the banner below for more information. Card Player readers are eligible for an initial deposit bonus offer of 100 percent up to $2,500. Enter code ‘NEWBOL’